Sofie Estolloso Hofmann Designs International

I finished updating the site of PSAP-PAROLA.org yesterday evening. Philippine Seafarers Assistance Programme (PSAP) is a non-stock, non-profit foundation based in Rotterdam, the Netherlands. It primarily aims to support the Filipino seafarers’ quest for better and humane working and living conditions.

PSAP has been publishing its newsletter/magazine called “PAROLA” for the Filipino seafarers. Parola has no ads at all but next year, they will start accommodating commercial advertisers at the Parola newsletter. Why advertise in Parola? The magazine is quite very informative for the seafarers and its family. I do not wonder that Parola newsletter is quite popular among the Filipino seafarers.

Some of the officers and staff of PSAP would visit one of the ships every month just to see the Filipino seafarers. The ship and crew that they visit is being featured at the PSAP-PAROLA.org website as the SHIP and CREW of the MONTH, which I think very noble indeed. By merely looking at their photos, you will have the tendency to have some mixed emotions. For one thing, they are away from their loved ones, like right now, instead of spending Christmas with their family, they’re somewhere out there sailing at sea with their colleagues, while we are here enjoying on the ground.

May I ask everyone to please pray for them everyday, for their safety and wish them happiness even if they are away from their family especially this Christmas season.

May I also appeal to everyone to please support Parola newsletter by advertising with the magazine. Parola is circulated to over 10,000 individual Filipino seafarers and their families. You can download the latest issue of Parola, just visit PSAP-PAROLA.org website.

That’s all and have a wonderful day! Tomorrow is Christmas day!

I wish you all a very Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year!!!